Accessibility Links

Map charts murderous rivalries and hatred of London’s gangs

July 24 2010, 1:01am, The Times

A gang member from Waltham Forest, identified by his red bandana

The scene is one of a young man being buried with full honours. Hundreds of his friends take to the streets of East London to commemorate the teenager, pouring alcohol on the pavement in remembrance of their comrade.

Then comes the final tribute to his short life — which ended at 17 when he died of a drug overdose — as one of London’s “soldiers”.

As the coffin lies deep in the ground, his friends cover it with more than 30 bandanas. Coloured red, they are a sign of his allegiance to the local gang.

The scenes, videoed and posted on YouTube, are a series of stark images that illustrate the power of the gang culture that has pervaded urban life.